A multifunctional baicalin-coordinated borate ions/bacterial cellulose composite hydrogel for efficient treatment of chronic wounds

Microbial infection, poor vascular regeneration and abnormal inflammation often impede the smooth repair of skin wounds, and these problems need to be effectively addressed. Baicalin is a natural flavonoid compound with a wide range of beneficial pharmacological effects, including antibacterial, angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its clinical application is severely limited by poor water solubility and low bioavailability. In this study, we developed a multifunctional baicalin-coordinated borate ions/bacterial cellulose (Bai-B/BC) composite hydrogel at a low gelation concentration to promote chronic wound healing. On the one hand, the mechanical property of the self-assembled Bai-B hydrogel network was improved by the BC hydrogel network in the composite hydrogel; on the other hand, the self-assembled Bai-B hydrogel network gave the composite hydrogel the ability to self-heal and continuously release baicalin and boron ions. Importantly, baicalin and borate ions in Bai-B/BC composite hydrogel dressing played a synergistic pharmacological role in wound healing. The in vitro results showed that the Bai-B/BC hydrogel had excellent biocompatibility, antibacterial activity and anti-inflammatory effects in comparison with the control group and other hydrogel groups. Further in vivo studies displayed that the Bai-B/BC hydrogel significantly accelerated the healing process of chronic wound by promoting uniform and orderly collagen deposition, granulation tissue formation and vascular regeneration. The Bai-B-based self-assembled hydrogel is set to become a star dressing in the treatment of chronic wounds.